[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 49 (Wednesday, March 21, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E353]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                RECOGNIZING THE LIFE OF THOMAS A. SPIESS

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                           HON. MARCY KAPTUR

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 21, 2018

  Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life of Tom 
Spiess, of Fayette, Ohio. Tom passed from this life on Friday, March 
16, 2018 and today his family, friends and community gather to 
celebrate his homegoing.
  Tom Spiess was an outstanding community leader. His life's work was 
as an art teacher at Gorham Fayette Schools, where he founded the art 
club and the golf team. After thirty years as teacher and mentor, Tom 
retired from teaching in 2000. He then began a new career in 
``retirement'' as the Village of Fayette Administrator, a position he 
held for six years. A local history buff, Tom also found time to host 
Civil War reenactments in his backyard.
  All the while, Tom was involved in many civic activities. He served 
on the Ohio Arts Council; was a founding member and executive director 
of the Fayette Community Fine Arts Council; was integrally involved in 
the acquisition and restoration of the Fayette Opera House; served as 
chairman of Fulton County United Way; was president of the Gorham 
Fayette Teachers Association; president of the Fulton County 
Improvement Corporation; and was a member of the Fayette Chamber of 
Commerce. A true servant leader, Tom was an elder and board president 
at his Disciples of Christ Church, where he also taught Sunday school. 
Turning his grief into community help, Tom founded the Jon P. Spiess 
Memorial Golf Tournament in memory of his son.
  Tom was feted by his community as Fayette Citizen of the Year. He 
also received a Defiance College Alumni Achievement Award. These 
recognitions by his community were most deserved and well earned.
  Born to George and Marjorie Spiess in Wauseon, Ohio, Tom was a 
graduate of Delta High School. He went on to earn his undergraduate 
degree from Defiance College and his Master's degree from Sienna 
Heights College. Tom and his wife Cherrie were married on December 28, 
1968 and together raised four children. In addition to their son, Jon, 
their children include Matthew, Mark and Elizabeth.
  We offer our sincere condolences to his wife and children, 
grandchildren, brother, in-laws and friends. May they find some small 
comfort in their memories of this remarkable man and the gift of his 
life. Surely he will be greeted as in Matthew 25:23 ``Well done, good 
and faithful servant.''
  Tom's generous, life giving spirit embraced his family, his 
community, and our nation. He was always building others. He cherished 
learning as fundamental to liberty and devoted himself to building an 
educated, engaged citizenry. His creativity and genius will continue to 
flower in all his good works. Truly, he has endowed a legacy to his 
family, community and country.

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